EU pushes for global fossil fuel phaseout at COP28

The EU is calling on governments to transition to a clean energy future by committing to more renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and phasing out fossil fuels.

In a bid to combat climate change and its detrimental effects, the European Union (EU) is spearheading efforts to secure a global pledge for the accelerated phaseout of unabated fossil fuel usage "well ahead of 2050." This significant endeavor was revealed by Frans Timmermans, the EU's climate chief, during a gathering of the bloc's environmental and energy ministers in Spain.

By rallying international support for these crucial measures, the EU seeks to set an example and encourage nations worldwide to embrace sustainable energy alternatives. The phased transition away from fossil fuels aligns with the EU's broader commitment to combatting climate change and achieving a carbon-neutral future.

Amos Wemanya, senior renewable energy advisor at Power Shift Africa, a climate and energy thinkand do tank based in Kenya said: " It is great that the EU is calling for the phase-out of unabated coal before 2050. However, science consistently indicates that a global temperature rise exceeding 1.5 degrees is unsafe. Historical polluters should prioritize a rapid and comprehensive phase-out of all #fossilfuels, which are the primary cause of the global temperature rise."